I will tell you about this impressive culture, the delicious food, and the beautiful nature. This blog only concerns the western part of Malaysia, also known as "Peninsular Malaysia." Borneo will therefore be skipped!
How much time do you need for Malaysia?
During this two-week journey through Malaysia, you'll discover a wonderful combination of city life, culture, and nature. You'll begin in vibrant Kuala Lumpur, continue to historic Malacca, and then on to bustling Georgetown in Penang. The trip concludes in a relaxing way on the tropical beaches of Langkawi, where you can fully enjoy the sun, sea, and tranquility.
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is also called the Dubai of Asia, but it has much more to offer than impressive architecture.
The famous Petronas Twin Towers dominate the skyline and are definitely worth a visit, especially during sunset. From KLCC park, you have a beautiful view from the ground. There is also a fountain show every evening at 8, 9, and 10 PM just outside the Suria KLCC shopping mall.
A visit to the Thean Hou Temple is highly recommended for a religious experience. This temple is dedicated to Tianhou (also known as Matsu), a goddess for Taoist people. Worldwide, there are about 200 million people who believe in the Matsu religion.
Of course, you'll also want a tasty bite to eat. Even though this place is very touristy, the vibe and food here are delicious... I'm talking about Bukit Bintang. This area comes alive at night with its many stalls, restaurants, and also nightlife with pubs and clubs. You can also try the legendary Durian here! However, this exotic fruit is not to everyone's taste...
We also recommend exploring the Batu Caves. These are magnificent limestone caves that were transformed into a Hindu temple in the late 19th century, dedicated to the god Murugan. You'll need to climb 272 steps to reach the main cave, passing a massive golden statue of Murugan over 42 meters high. So take your time with the climb!
If you're looking for accommodation with a beautiful view of the Kuala Lumpur skyline, we recommend booking Eaton Residences. In this skyscraper, you'll find not only a gym but also a swimming pool with the perfect view of the Petronas Towers!
Malacca
Melaka, often referred to as Malacca, is a must-visit for Dutch people, as this Malaysian city has a rich history with our ancestors.
The famous Stadthuys, the oldest Dutch building in Asia, takes you back to the VOC era and the enduring presence of 17th-century colonial architecture. This building also houses a museum that meticulously explains the Dutch history here.
From the Straits Mosque Viewpoint, you can enjoy a magnificent view over the Strait of Malacca, where you can imagine how Dutch ships once embarked here.
Melaka is special due to the combination of Malay, Chinese, and Portuguese influences, and the historical relationship with the Netherlands offers an extra sense of recognition and connection, all converging on Jonker Street.
A visit to Melaka feels like a journey through time, where different cultures and histories converge.
Besides the beautiful culture, you can also enjoy delicious food here. Melaka is known for its Nyonya cuisine, which is a unique fusion cuisine from Southeast Asia (especially Malaysia and Singapore) that combines Chinese ingredients and cooking methods with local Malay spices and flavors. It is the result of Chinese immigrants marrying local women, which led to dishes such as those found in the Perakanan Place Signature restaurant.
Georgetown (Penang)
Georgetown, located on the island of Penang, is a fascinating place where history, culture, and creativity converge. The famous Armenian Street art, including the renowned murals by Ernest Zacharevic, brings life to the streets and transforms every corner of the city into a painting.
The Kek Lok Si Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, is an impressive building that offers a spiritual experience in the heart of the city.
From Penang Hill, you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the city and the sea. For those who appreciate culture, art, and a touch of colonial ambiance, Georgetown is a place never to be forgotten.
Because you're almost always in the sun in Malaysia, you can see a beautiful sunset almost every day. The best place for this is by the water, at Gurney Bay Park, where you can enjoy a refreshing stroll along the boulevard. In this area, you can also grab a delicious bite to eat at the Japanese BBQ restaurant Nikuno Yoichi.
Also visit the Clan Jetties. These are wooden stilt villages on the coast, founded by Chinese clans in the 19th century, where families used to live and work on the water. Each jetty belongs to one clan, and especially Chew Jetty is still inhabited and accessible to you!
If you're in the mood for a drink and/or meeting other travelers, Love Lane is the place to be. Here you'll find nice pubs where music is played until late at night.
Langkawi
Langkawi offers an ideal combination of nature, luxury, and experiences. In the evenings, visit Pantai Cenang for its wonderfully relaxed vibe and an impressive firework show on the beach.
Afterward, take the cable car to Peak 701 for a magnificent view over the archipelago. Conclude your trip with a visit to The Danna Langkawi, a delightful resort that allows you to relax like royalty, whether you're staying overnight or not.
During the day, you can take a mangrove tour through Kilim Geoforest Park, where you'll cruise along ancient riverbeds teeming with exotic wildlife. You can book your tour through Langkawi Mangrove Tour. They will take you to a secluded base where you prepare to go kayaking. Afterwards, you can also look forward to a delicious lunch by the water!
Every evening, just after sunset, enjoy an impressive fire show in Pantai Cenang at Kalut Cafe and Bar. This nearly 1-hour long show is the perfect escape for you: enjoy a delicious cocktail and watch the fire fly past your ears.
Frequently asked questions about a round trip through Malaysia
In two weeks, you can cover a lot with Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, Georgetown, and Langkawi, allowing you to take your time at each location. Have less time? Then skip Melaka or Georgetown. After all, it's a holiday ;)
With an average of €80 per day, you can travel comfortably through Malaysia. The flight is your biggest expense; food and local transport in the city are often very affordable. A local meal at a hawker stall can quickly cost only a few euros, and with Grab (the local Uber), you can travel through the city for a steal. Just like in many other Asian countries, tipping is not mandatory in Malaysia, so you can keep those extra pennies in your pocket ;)
Yes, better than in many other Asian countries! Malaysia was a British colony for a long time, so English is taught as a second language in schools. Especially in cities like Kuala Lumpur, Georgetown, and tourist spots like Langkawi, you can understand almost everyone perfectly in English, from hotel staff to taxi drivers.
Bring light, airy clothing due to the high humidity and a light rain jacket for the many tropical downpours the country experiences. Sneakers or sandals are recommended, as you will be doing a lot of walking. Also, make sure your debit card is activated for international use, although you can pay with cash almost everywhere. A sleep mask and an inflatable neck pillow for the 11+ hour flight. And of course, the Legpack: the backpack that works as both a backpack and a suitcase; ideal for rolling over the flat streets of Kuala Lumpur and carrying on the ferry to Penang or Langkawi!
For Malaysia, the same basic vaccinations are usually recommended as for other countries in Southeast Asia, such as hepatitis A and possibly hepatitis B, typhoid, and rabies, depending on your travel style and the duration of your trip. Which vaccinations are specifically necessary or advisable for you depends on where you are going and what you will be doing. Therefore, always check the GGD Travel Vaccinations page on Malaysia well before departure, so that you are on time for any necessary shots.
The perfect bag for Malaysia
50 litres, can be used as a suitcase and a backpack. Ideal for Kuala Lumpur, the ferry to Penang and the beaches of Langkawi.
View the Leg Pack →
